Cashless Poland Foundation

What Cashless Poland Foundation does

Cashless Poland Foundation (Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa) is a Warsaw-based non-profit foundation established in 2018 by the Polish Bank Association (Związek Banków Polskich) to expand the acceptance network for cashless payments across Poland. The foundation coordinates the national Polska Bezgotówkowa (Poland Cashless) Programme, which deploys subsidised payment infrastructure — physical POS terminals, SoftPOS smartphone-based acceptance, and online payment gateways — free of charge to qualifying small businesses and public institutions for an initial 12-month period, with public-institution subsidies extended through end-2028. Funding flows from contributions by the Polish banking sector, EU programmes, and public sources; the foundation is not a commercial vendor and does not generate product revenue.

The foundation's core product is a programme-management and standard-setting platform rather than a proprietary technology stack. It has defined the Standard Płatności Bezgotówkowych za eFaktury, a market specification for embedding payment links in KSeF-compliant e-invoices and routing them through acquirer gateways, which functions as an interoperability layer rather than an API product. Distribution is executed through a 40-plus partner network of acquiring banks (PKO, Pekao, ING, mBank, BNP Paribas, Millennium, etc.) and payment agents (eService, PayU, Przelewy24, Autopay, SumUp, Worldline, Elavon, Polskie ePłatności, etc.), with participants selecting their preferred agent via the foundation's online application portal. By end-2025, the programme had enrolled approximately 550,000 entrepreneurs and deployed 713,000 devices, and cited POLASIK Research figures of 71% cashless share of Polish POS transactions.

Commercially and educationally, the foundation operates a multi-channel engagement stack: the Akademia Przedsiębiorcy (Entrepreneur Academy) webinar and newsletter platform, the annual Future of Payments conference (fourth edition planned for October 2026), the Bezgotówkowe Kino Objazdowe mobile-cinema outreach touring roughly 50 cities (winner of the European Business Promotion Award), a Click to Pay educational campaign co-sponsored with Mastercard and Visa, a Cashback service promoted across more than 277,000 merchant points, and a research function commissioning annual studies on Polish payment behaviour. Strategic positioning is institutional: co-development with Visa, Mastercard, the Polish Bank Association, the Committee of Acquiring Agents, and two government ministries (Finance; Development and Technology).

Name

Cashless Poland Foundation

Legal name

Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa

Website

https://polskabezgotowkowa.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cashless Poland Foundation (Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa) is a Warsaw-based non-profit, founded in 2018 by the Polish Bank Association, that coordinates the national Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme deploying subsidised payment terminals and online acceptance to Polish SMEs and public institutions via a 40-plus partner network of acquiring banks and payment agents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cashless Payment Adoption Services

akta.pro primary industry

POS, SoftPOS & In-Person Acceptance Infrastructure (FSAGABAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

mPOS & SoftPOS (Tap-to-Phone) Solutions (FSAMADAB), POS-to-Online Unified Payments (Omnichannel Payments) (CRAFALAL)

Keywords

• Cashless payment promotion
• Payment terminal deployment
• Financial digital literacy
• E-invoice payment standards
• Merchant acceptance infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Warsaw

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Programme financing (non-commercial): As a non-profit foundation, Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa is financed through contributions from the banking sector, EU funds, and public sources. Revenue is not generated from product sales; rather, the foundation coordinates subsidy programmes that are funded by external financial partners (banks, payment organisations, and public funds) to deploy free or subsidised acceptance infrastructure across Poland.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The foundation coordinates the Program Polska Bezgotówkowa, a national cashless-payment adoption programme providing free physical POS terminals, SoftPOS (phone-as-terminal) mobile acceptance, and online payment gateways to Polish businesses and public institutions for an initial 12-month period. It also establishes interoperability standards such as the e-Invoice Payment Standard for KSeF e-invoice payment integration and runs educational, research, and outreach initiatives promoting digital payment literacy.

Product overview

Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa operates the 'Program Polska Bezgotówkowa' (Poland Cashless Program) as a unified platform offering multiple cashless payment solutions: (1) Terminal płatniczy – physical POS terminals provided free for 12 months; (2) Terminal w telefonie – smartphone-based mobile payment acceptance; (3) Płatności kartą online – online payment gateway for e-commerce; (4) Cashback – cash withdrawal service during card purchases; and (5) Standard e-faktury – standardized framework for KSeF e-invoice payment integration. The program is complemented by educational initiatives including Akademia Przedsiębiorcy (webinars and business education), Click to Pay (tokenized online payments), the annual Future of Payments conference, and the award-winning Bezgotówkowe Kino Objazdowe mobile cinema outreach project.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Terminal płatniczy (Payment Terminal) Physical POS payment terminal provided free of charge to Polish businesses for the first 12 months under the Program Polska Bezgotówkowa. Enables in-store acceptance of card payments including contactless NFC transactions. After 12 months, standard commercial terms apply with the acquiring bank or payment agent selected by the participant.
• Terminal w telefonie (Phone Terminal / SoftPOS) Mobile application that turns a smartphone into a payment terminal, enabling Polish businesses — particularly mobile service providers, home-visit professionals, and physiotherapists — to accept card payments without additional hardware. Free for 12 months under the programme.
• Płatności kartą online (Online Card Payments) Online payment gateway (bramka płatnicza) enabling Polish businesses to accept card payments on their e-commerce websites. Provided free of commission for the first 12 months under the programme.
• Cashback Service allowing cardholders to withdraw cash during a card payment at participating merchants including grocery stores, gas stations, and post offices. Available at over 277,000 points across Poland, expanding the cashless-acceptance footprint to retail locations.
• Standard e-faktury (e-Invoice Payment Standard) Unified market standard for cashless payments based on KSeF (National e-Invoice System) e-invoices. Defines rules for generating payment links, embedding them in e-invoices, and processing payments through payment gateways to accelerate receivables settlement and reduce errors and fraud. Aimed at acquiring agents and payment service providers integrating with KSeF e-invoicing.

Quantifiable outcome

• 71% of point-of-sale transactions in Poland are cashless (2025)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and minor.

• MastercardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor payment network and co-developer of the Click to Pay standard in Poland. Co-sponsor of the foundation's Click to Pay educational campaign launched April 2025. Contributes technology standard and brand support for the foundation's digital payment initiatives.
• VisacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor payment network and co-developer of the Click to Pay standard. Co-sponsor of the foundation's Click to Pay educational campaign. Provides technology standard, card network infrastructure, and co-branding for foundation initiatives.
• Związek Banków Polskich (Polish Bank Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding and governing body behind the foundation. Initiated the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme and nominated the foundation's president for a state honour. Primary institutional partner driving the cashless agenda in Poland.
• Ministerstwo Finansów (Ministry of Finance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry involved in the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme. Granted state honour to foundation leadership. Represents public sector backing for cashless transition policy.
• Ministerstwo Rozwoju i Technologii (Ministry of Development and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry supporting the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme and Poland's broader digital economy development goals.
• PKO Bank PolskimajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLargest Polish bank and acquiring agent in the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme. Provides payment terminal deployment and processing services to programme participants. Listed prominently among bank partners on the foundation's website.
• Bank Pekao S.A.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Polish bank serving as an acquiring agent in the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme, deploying terminals and processing card transactions for programme participants.
• ING Bank ŚląskimajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish digital banking leader and acquiring agent in the programme. Provides terminal deployment and card processing for programme participants.
• mBankmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital-first Polish bank and programme acquiring agent. Offers terminal deployment and online payment gateway services to programme participants.
• BNP Paribas Bank PolskamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish subsidiary of BNP Paribas group, acting as an acquiring agent in the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme.
• Bank MillenniummajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish bank and programme acquiring agent providing terminal deployment and card payment processing services.
• Nest BankmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish bank serving as an acquiring agent in the programme.
• Alior BankmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish bank and programme acquiring agent in the Polska Bezgotówkowa Programme.
• Bank PocztowymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish bank and programme acquiring agent with branch network supporting postal and banking service points.
• Credit AgricolemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish subsidiary of French banking group Credit Agricole, serving as programme acquiring agent.
• Erste Bank PolskamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish arm of Erste Group, providing acquiring and terminal services under the programme.
• SGB-Bank (Spółdzielcza Grupa Bankowa)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCooperative banking group representing hundreds of cooperative banks in Poland, offering programme terminals to rural and SME clients through its network.
• Krakowski Bank SpółdzielczymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCooperative bank serving as programme acquiring agent, extending reach to regional SME clients.
• Autopay (Naspay / Bank mTransfer)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Polish payment aggregator and SoftPOS provider. Offers terminal deployment and online payment gateway (BLIK, card, PBL) services to programme participants.
• eService (Centrum Elektronicznych Usług Płatniczych)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Polish payment services provider and programme acquiring agent. Offers POS terminals, SoftPOS, and online payment gateway services.
• PayU S.A.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Polish online payment gateway and acquiring service provider. Supports the programme's eCommerce channel, enabling online card payments for programme participants.
• Przelewy24majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Polish payment gateway (part of PRESTO group/Revolut partner) providing online payment processing for programme eCommerce participants.
• PayTel S.A.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish payment services provider offering terminal and SoftPOS solutions under the programme.
• Elavon Merchant ServicesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal/US-based acquiring and payment processing provider operating in Poland, offering terminal and gateway services under the programme.
• Planet Pay (IT Card Centrum Technologii Płatniczych)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish payment technology provider and programme acquiring agent, serving SME and public institution clients.
• Polskie ePłatności S.A. (Centrum Rozliczeń Elektronicznych)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Polish electronic payments centre providing acquiring and terminal services under the programme.
• SumUpmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational payment terminal and POS provider with significant Polish SME presence, offering compact card readers and SoftPOS solutions under the programme.
• Worldline / Paysquare SEmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEuropean payment services group (Worldline SA) operating in Poland via its subsidiary, offering terminal and gateway services under the programme.
• Fiserv Polska (PolCard)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal fintech provider Fiserv's Polish operations, offering card processing and terminal services under the programme.
• PaymenticmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish payment services provider in the programme network, offering terminal solutions for SMEs.
• SIBS International (BLIK operator infrastructure)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish payment infrastructure operator managing BLIK mobile payments, integral to the programme's mobile/NFC payment ecosystem.
• Fundacja Kobiety e-biznesu (Women e-Business Foundation)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organiser of the 'Rozwiń swój e-biznes' (Grow Your e-Business) competition, targeting women entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Joint initiative with the Cashless Poland Foundation to promote digital entrepreneurship among women-led businesses.
• POLASIK ResearchstrategicOthersAcademic research institution conducting the annual 'Polish Payment Habits and Acceptance Network' study on behalf of the foundation, providing data on cashless adoption rates, NFC usage, and merchant acceptance.
• Fundacja Cyberium (Cyberium Foundation)minorOthersListed as a partner in the foundation's ecosystem, likely contributing cybersecurity expertise to educational content.
• Polityka InsightminorOthersPolish political and economic analysis outlet listed as a media/knowledge partner of the foundation.
• cashless.plminorOthersPolish cashless/payments industry media portal listed as an informational partner.
• Warszawski Instytut Bankowości (Warsaw Institute of Banking)minorOthersPolish banking education and training institute listed as a partner, contributing financial sector expertise to the foundation's activities.
• Smart City WrocławminorOthersWrocław-based smart city initiative listed as a partner, likely connected to urban digital payment integration projects.
• Polska Fundacja Przedsiębiorczości (Polish Entrepreneurship Foundation)minorOthersPolish SME support foundation listed as a partner, contributing to the foundation's business development and entrepreneurship mission.
• PSNM — Polskie Stowarzyszenie Nowej Mobilności (Polish New Mobility Association)minorOthersPolish new mobility association listed as a partner, connected to the foundation's interest in digital payment integration across mobility sectors.
• SokołówminorOthersMajor Polish meat producer listed as a partner, likely participating in the cashback programme and demonstrating cashless adoption in the food retail sector.
• GzellaminorOthersPolish food retailer participating in the cashback programme and listed as a partner of the foundation.
• Rada Wydawców Kart Bankowych (Council of Card Issuers)coreOthersKey industry governance body for card payments in Poland, co-founding and overseeing the foundation alongside Związek Banków Polskich.
• Komitet Agentów Rozliczeniowych (Committee of Acquiring Agents)coreOthersIndustry committee representing acquiring agents in Poland, participating in the foundation's governance and programme oversight.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• Smart Payment Association: Industry association representing card and payments technology manufacturers and vendors, focused on specifications and adoption of secure payment technologies. Adjacent to the foundation's standard-setting and ecosystem coordination work.
• Mastercard Foundation: Mastercard's philanthropic foundation focused on financial inclusion, digital literacy, and youth employment in Africa and beyond. Comparable structurally as a card-network-backed foundation advancing digital and financial inclusion, although at a much larger global scale.
• Visa Foundation: Visa's philanthropic foundation promoting financial inclusion and supporting SMEs globally. Comparable as a corporate-backed foundation operating in the payments inclusion space, although operating internationally rather than at national scale.

Direct peers

• Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet): Australian payments industry self-regulatory body managing card payments framework, standards, and industry initiatives. Similar mandate to the foundation in coordinating banks, networks, and acquirers around national payment infrastructure.
• Betaalvereniging Nederland (Dutch Payments Association): Dutch national payments industry association that coordinates payments stakeholders, sets standards, and runs collective acceptance and education initiatives — structurally analogous to Fundacja Polska Bezgotówkowa in mission and ecosystem role, just at a smaller national scale.
• UK Finance: UK trade association representing the banking and payments industry, coordinating collective industry initiatives on payments adoption, fraud, and standards. Closely comparable to the foundation's role as the convening body for Polish banks and payment agents.
• Payments Canada: Canadian national payments association operating the country's clearing and settlement infrastructure and coordinating industry modernisation. Comparable to the foundation as a national-level coordinator of payment acceptance and standards across banks, networks, and merchants.
• Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI): Irish banking and payments industry federation representing banks and payment services providers, coordinating payment policy and consumer education. Closely comparable in being a national-level banking-led coordination body for cashless adoption.

Regional players

• Singapore Payments Network (SPN) / Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS): Singapore's national payments network operator and industry body coordinating cashless adoption and merchant onboarding. Comparable as a national-level ecosystem coordinator for digital payment acceptance, although operating in a more mature, higher-penetration market.

Emerging players

• European Payments Initiative (EPI) / Wero: Pan-European payments initiative backed by major European banks and PSPs to build a unified European payment standard. Shares the foundation's bank-led, standards-setting approach but at a cross-border rather than national level.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bezgotowkowa
• Facebookfacebook.com/FundacjaPolskaBezgotowkowa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fundacja-polska-bezgotowkowa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Cashless Poland Foundation